[7] ANT204 Introduction to Archaeology

Instructor: Cheng Liu

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the history, methods, theory, and broader social context of modern archaeology. Archaeology is an incredibly diverse discipline unified by its use of material remains to study the human past. Modern archaeologists work in all parts of the world studying time periods from the remote evolutionary past to the modern day. They investigate subjects ranging from ancient environments and climate change to prehistoric technology and social identity, using techniques that range from scientific excavation to satellite imaging, materials analysis, paleopathology, underwater exploration, landscape phenomenology, and more. In this class, we will explore some of the major questions that interest archaeologists and the sources of evidence they use to investigate them. Among other things, we will consider the different kinds of information that can be gained from plant and animal remains, manufactured goods, and evidence of structures, as well as the use of modern analogs and experiments. The focus throughout will be on how archaeologists know what they know and how this specialist knowledge is relevant to people throughout the world today.

My role: My responsibilities as the instructor of record include: 1) meeting students 2 days per week for 75 minutes each (2.5 hours total a week); 2) holding 2 office hours per week; 3) preparing the syllabus, slides, midterms, Canvas quizzes, in-class activities, as well as grading rubrics; 4) grading quizzes, in-class activities, and exams.